Saudi Arabia Secures World Cup Qualifying Win Over Indonesia

A strong performance from Saudi Arabia led them to a 3-2 victory over Indonesia in a World Cup qualifying match held in Jeddah on Wednesday. This win was particularly significant as it marked a turnaround following their previous defeat to the same team in November 2022. The result moves Saudi Arabia closer to automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

The match showcased a new-look Saudi side under the guidance of coach Hervé Renard, who acknowledged that the loss in Jakarta last year served as a catalyst for the changes made to the squad. “We also had revenge to take because we were very bad when we went to their home ground,” Renard stated. “It was our fault, they put us under pressure and we didn’t manage to support the pressure. But it was also after this game I made some very important decisions, so maybe it was a good sign.”

Saudi Arabia’s equaliser came from Saleh Abu Al-Shamat, who scored on his second international appearance after Indonesia’s Kevin Diks had converted a penalty to put the visitors ahead. Following Abu Al-Shamat’s goal, Feras Al-Buraikan scored twice to give Saudi Arabia a commanding lead. Diks later added a second penalty for Indonesia, briefly reigniting hopes for the visitors.

The victory places Saudi Arabia at the top of Group B, where the winners of the three-team group will secure direct entry into the finals in North America. The second-placed team will move on to a subsequent round of qualification.

Looking ahead, Renard emphasized the importance of their upcoming matches, particularly against Iraq on Tuesday. “One World Cup in your football career is something you can’t miss,” he remarked, highlighting the competitive nature of the group. “Nobody will give us anything. We will have to fight up to the last second.”

Saudi Arabia’s path to the World Cup remains challenging, as they will need to maintain their focus and performance in the upcoming fixtures. Renard acknowledged that while their next game may be tougher, the team is determined to secure their place in the tournament.

As the qualifying rounds progress, Saudi Arabia’s commitment to improvement and strategic preparation will be crucial in their pursuit of World Cup glory. The team continues to train diligently, with eyes on the remaining matches and the opportunity to compete alongside footballing nations such as Japan, South Korea, Australia, Iran, Uzbekistan, and Jordan.